Waterproof stopper for waterproof connectors

Abstract

A blocking plug is reliably locked in position in an insertion hole in a waterproof stopper and prevented from slipping off. A rubber-made waterproof stopper is fitted in the rear of a waterproof connector housing with a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers formed therein, the waterproof stopper having insertion holes corresponding to the individual terminal accommodating chambers. A stopper cover of synthetic resin having throughholes corresponding to the individual insertion holes of the waterproof stopper is provided to cover the waterproof stopper. The stopper cover is in the rear surface formed with engagement portions each for engagement with a corresponding engagement portion formed at the rear of a blocking plug. When a blocking plug is thrusted into the holes of the stopper cover and the waterproof stopper corresponding to a terminal accommodating chamber not used to accommodate a terminal, the engagement portion of the blocking plug is engaged with the corresponding engagement portion in the rear surface of the stopper cover to lock the blocking plug in position.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A waterproof structure for electrical waterproof connectors comprising: a connector housing having a rear portion and terminal accommodating chambers formed therein;   a waterproof stopper fitted in said rear portion of said connector housing and having terminal insertion holes therethrough corresponding to said individual terminal accommodating chambers;   a stopper cover for covering said waterproof stopper and having a rear surface and throughholes corresponding to said individual terminal insertion holes of said waterproof stopper, said stopper cover further having engagement portion each disposed adjacent to each of said individual throughholes; and   at least one generally J-shaped blocking plug formed separately from said stopper cover, including a main straight portion and a bent portion integral with said main straight portion at a proximal end of said blocking plug, wherein an inwardly elongated engagement portion is formed at a proximal end of said bent portion, wherein said main straight portion is insertable into said throughhole of said stopper cover and said corresponding terminal insertion hole of said waterproof stopper, with said bent portion of said blocking plug being hooked with said engagement portion of said stopper cover when said stopper cover is in position to cover said waterproof stopper, thereby preventing said blocking plug in said terminal insertion hole from falling out and enabling said terminal insertion hole to be sealed said blocking plug to seal the insertion hole and further to be reused when said blocking plug is removed from the insertion hole.   
     
     
       2. A waterproof structure according to claim 1, wherein said stopper cover also includes an engagement hole formed, adjacent to each of said throughholes, wherein each of said engagement portions of said stopper cover is integrally formed with a corresponding one of said engagement holes while said inwardly elongated engagement portion of each blocking plug is inserted into a corresponding one of said engagement holes of said stopper cover. 
     
     
       3. A waterproof structure according to claim 2, wherein said bent portion comprises a turn-back portion and a joint portion that joins said turn-back portion to said main straight portion, and said inwardly elongated engagement portion of said blocking plug is located at said turn-back portion such that, when said main straight portion of said blocking plug is inserted into said throughhole of said stopper cover and said terminal insertion hole of said waterproof stopper, a back surface of said joint portion contacts said rear surface of said stopper cover extending from said throughhole to said engagement hole of said stopper cover, thereby engaging said inwardly elongated engagement portion of said blocking plug to said engagement portion of said engagement hole of said stopper cover. 
     
     
       4. A waterproof structure according to claim 3, wherein said inwardly elongated engagement portion of said blocking plug is formed as a curved guide surface for facilitating insertion of said inwardly elongated engagement portion into said engagement hole of said stopper cover. 
     
     
       5. A waterproof structure according to claim 2, wherein said throughholes of said stopper cover are provided in a plurality of rows and said engagement holes of said stopper cover are provided in a corresponding number of rows.